With Baltimore in chaos these past few days, you may have missed a very important piece of news that could directly affect your life.

Two pieces of news, actually, but both covering the same topic: the ISIS threat to the U.S. homeland.

This past weekend, CNN reported that the FBI was investigating “a possible ISIS-inspired terror threat in the United States.” According to CNN, “The investigation originated from intercepted chatter and other intelligence information that led officials to believe a possible plot could be in the works…It’s not clear whether the threat is real or aspirational…One official said it focused on parts of California…”

At the same time, The Interceptreported that the TSA had issued a classified warning that ISIS may be looking to attack targets inside the United States. The threats led to heightened security in parts of southern California, including at airports.

At this point, we don’t have a lot of specifics. But expect more alerts like this in the near future. ISIS is not just a terrorist group–it is a global phenomenon that, according to FBI Director James Comey, currently boasts supporters and sympathizers in all 50 U.S. states.

If this nationwide network of ISIS disciples decides to go operational (which could simply mean a steady flurry of smaller scale, low-tech attacks like this or this), we’ve got a serious problem on our hands.

I recently wrote about the troubling increase in U.S. citizens who have been arrested for either attempting to join ISIS or carry out ISIS-inspired attacks on American soil. I see the ISIS threat to America emanating mainly from three sources: 1) Homegrown “city wolves” 2) Returnees–U.S. citizens who have fought alongside ISIS and returned home 3) Our shamefully porous borders.

I realize this is heavy stuff and difficult for some to accept or even hear. After giving a talk recently about my latest book, “ISIS Exposed” before an audience that could be best described as mixed politically–some conservative and some liberal–I was approached by a woman who called me an “alarmist” and scoffed at the notion of a global jihadist movement. She was unable to refute any of the facts I laid out in my presentation, but man, she just knew I was trouble.

Interestingly enough, she was wearing a peace sign necklace.

I want peace, too–but not at any cost (see: Iran) and not at the expense of denying reality.

Look, warning about ISIS is not a pleasant message and as the father of two young children, I take no joy in delivering it.

But wishing away reality won’t make it go away.

So, would you rather know or not know?

I’m guessing that for the sake of our country and your loved ones, you’d rather know.